Johnson Header Frequently Asked QuestionsWho is Atlanta Gas Light?
Atlanta Gas Light delivers natural gas on behalf of approved gas marketers to residences and businesses in your community. We safely operate and maintain a natural gas pipeline system over 55,000 miles long that delivers reliable, environmentally friendly natural gas to more than 1.5 million customers across Georgia.
Why is Atlanta Gas Light working in my neighborhood?
The work in your neighborhood is part of the Georgia Strategic Infrastructure Development and Enhancement Program (STRIDE) which was approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission in October 2009. The program allows us to make necessary upgrades to our pipeline system in the greater metro Atlanta area so we can improve our service to home and business owners on peak demand days. While Georgia STRIDE is one of our most extensive infrastructure projects to date, it’s just one of many undertaken by Atlanta Gas Light during its 154-year history as we work to bring you and your neighbors environmentally friendly natural gas.
Why do you need to upgrade the pipeline system?
Atlanta’s greater metropolitan area has experienced rapid growth in the past two decades. Much of that growth has shifted to regions farther removed from Atlanta Gas Light’s existing interstate supply points and high-pressure transmission pipeline system. We need to upgrade the system in order to meet our obligation to provide enough natural gas to serve our customers on the coldest days of the year.
Georgia STRIDE has several additional benefits:
• Georgia STRIDE is stimulating the local economy. We’re excited that our investment is expected to employ 150-200 construction workers each year—everything from right-of-way contractors and heavy-equipment operators to pipefitters and welders.
• When the U.S. economy does recover, our upgraded infrastructure will be able to provide the additional natural gas needed for continued economic development in your community and across the metro Atlanta area.
• Atlanta Gas Light will continue to provide America’s cleanest and domestically abundant fuel to existing and future customers.
What does this mean for me?
In your community, we will soon begin preparations for the installation of new 24” pipe from our Johnson Header location (near Johnson Road NW and Habershal Drive NW) to Maner Road in Cobb County, approximately 3.4 miles. Connecting these two locations is critical to system improvement.
As with all of our construction projects, safety is our top priority. Great care is taken in all phases of the project from beginning to end in each neighborhood. We make every effort to minimize inconveniences to property owners along the route.
Will my natural gas service be interrupted during construction?
No, existing natural gas service to homes and businesses will not be interrupted.
What should I expect during the upgrade?
In the coming weeks, representatives from our contractor, Woodard & Curran, will begin surveying our right-of-way, on or adjacent to your property. The surveyors will have Atlanta Gas Light identification.
Once the surveying is complete, we will notify property owners of our work schedule in advance before we begin construction. Work will primarily be performed during the day, Monday through Saturday. Although we will move as quickly as possible, factors such as topography and housing density will determine how long it will take to safely complete the work on each section of pipeline.
What is a pipeline right-of-way?
A right-of-way – or easement – is a strip of land on which a property owner grants to another party the right to use the land for a specific purpose – in this case, Atlanta Gas Light’s right to operate, maintain and, if necessary, replace or add a natural gas pipeline. During construction, additional temporary space may be needed to accommodate heavy equipment. After construction has been completed, the easement will be restored to its pre-construction condition.
Why was this route for the Johnson Header Pipeline selected?
A large portion of the route is along existing Atlanta Gas Light pipeline easements. This route allows us to efficiently meet our obligation to provide enough natural gas to serve our customers on the coldest days of the year.
How long will construction of the Johnson Header Pipeline take and how will it be performed?
Preparations for the construction of the Johnson Header Pipeline began in February 2010. Construction is expected to be complete by early 2011. The work requires heavy equipment and will employ a large number of workers.
Generally speaking, pipeline construction involves the following steps: 1) surveying the right-of-way; 2) clearing the right-of-way; 3) transporting the pipe to the right-of-way; 4) welding the pipe; 5) digging a trench for the pipe; 6) lowering the pipe into the trench; 7) back-filling the trench; 8) pressure testing the pipe; and 9) restoring the right-of-way to its pre-construction condition.
We may need to temporarily close some streets in some locations during construction. If that is the case, we’ll give you advance notice, work with the local jurisdictions and provide traffic control if necessary.
How does the presence of a right-of-way affect the use of my property?
There are a few property owner restrictions that come with a pipeline right-of-way in order to protect the safety of the pipe. These include prohibitions against erecting structures; doing any kind of excavation, construction and drilling; or planting of trees in the easement.
Will you notify me prior to surveying on or around my property?
Since Atlanta Gas Light has an easement on the property, permission is not required for our employees and contractors to be on site and performing work. However, we will notify you when we need to access your property just off the right-of-way. The survey will give us the most current information available which will enable us to complete construction of the Johnson Header Pipeline more efficiently.
Isn’t Atlanta Gas Light already working in my neighborhood to replace its pipelines?
Atlanta Gas Light’s Pipeline Replacement Program is underway across the state and may be taking place in your neighborhood. The Pipeline Replacement Program is a 15-year project to replace more than 2,600 miles of bare steel and cast iron natural gas pipeline throughout Georgia. To insure the safety and reliability of Atlanta Gas Light’s natural gas pipeline system, older pipes are being replaced with state-of-the-art plastic and steel pipes. The program will be complete in 2013.
If I have questions about the Johnson Header Pipeline, who do I contact?
A representative from Woodard & Curran will be on-site throughout the construction process if you have any questions about our system improvements. You also may contact Atlanta Gas Light directly at 404-584-3141 or by email, johnsonheader@aglresources.com